Acacia craspedocarpa (Leather-leaf Acacia) - Dense, rounded shrub to 8 feet tall by 5 feet wide with leathery 1 inch long broadly elliptical gray leaves (phyllodes) finely netted in green. The stems and new growth have coppery tones and the bark is somewhat fissured. The flowers in short, golden spikes (rods) appear in spring and various times through the year and are followed by attractive flat, rounded bright-green seed pods. It is very drought tolerant once established but also tolerates regular irrigation in well-drained soils. Cold hardy to 15° F. Some sources in the desert southwest list it as a tree to 15-20 feet but it is so slow growing here along the coast that this is hard to imagine. It is an interesting small tree or shrub for a low screen. The name Acacia comes either from the Greek word 'akazo' meaning "to sharpen" or from the Egyptian word 'akakia', a name given to the Egyptian Thorn, Acacia arabica.
This description is based on our research and observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We will also incorporate comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information about this plant, in particular if this information is contrary to what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Acacia craspedocarpa.